AN equaliser 19 minutes from time by substitute Matt Clarke preserved Hereford's unbeaten home record in the Nationwide Conference.

But it was a game which should have brought the Bulls three points after Clarke had set up two golden chances for his fellow substitute Steve Piearce in the closing stages.

Twice Clarke went marauding down the right and delivered excellent crosses to Piearce who appeared to be doing everything right as he brought the ball under control and turned to shoot. Unfortunately for him, his touch was too delicate and the final effort, on each occasion, flashed across the goal and wide.

The afternoon had begun with a minute's silence in tribute to one of United's greatest players, full-back John Layton senior who died on Thursday.

Layton had been a member of the United defence the last time Boston visited Edgar Street, way back in March 1960 for a Southern League game.

On that occasion United ran out 4-1 winners with one of the goals coming from another Bulls legend, Roy Williams, whose namesake, Gavin, was the focus of much pre-match attention this time around after netting three goals in his last two Conference appearances.

But on the day Gavin, who, like Roy, will probably leave Edgar Street for a substantial transfer fee at some stage, was unable to leave a mark on the game. A Boston defender, however, certainly left a mark on him, causing the youngster to be substituted an hour into the game.

The enforced change, which saw Piearce enter the fray, came two minutes after Boston had grabbed the lead against the run of play.

A corner on the right by Gary Mills was not cleared by the Hereford defence and Lee Howarth blasted the ball past Scott Cooksey.

Clarke immediately replaced Ian Rodgerson and the substitute took only 12 minutes to get his name on the scoresheet.

Robin Elmes' overhead flick to a long throw by Paul Sturgess was heading towards goal when Clarke nipped in at the far post to slam the ball into the net from four yards.

Although Piearce failed with his subsequent chances, United must have gained an early impression that it might not be their day with a bizarre third minute booking for Michael McIndoe.

The young Scot was clearly fouled by Lennie Curtis and the players lined up for a free-kick to Hereford, only for referee Steve Habgood to award the decision to Boston and show McIndoe a yellow card.

In a game of several heavy physical challenges, the only player to be punished for foul play was former United forward Paul Fewings, who otherwise had a relatively quiet game.

Mills, however, was also cautioned as Boston attempted to take the art of time-wasting to new heights.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright, Wall, Rodgerson (Clarke 59 mins), Snape, Elmes, Williams (Piearce 61 mins), McIndoe. Subs not used: Baker, Gardiner, Giddings.

Boston: Bastock, Gowshall, Curtis (Lucas 28 mins), Hoyle, Howarth, Dick (Minette 43 mins), Mills, Charlery, Raynor, Fewings (Rawle 81 mins), Turner. Subs not used: Stanhope, Martin.

Referee: Steve Habgood (Chippenham).

Attendance: 2,056.